Devine Scripture

Psalms 102:25

What does Psalms 102:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 102:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 102:25 means

This verse extols God's eternal and unchanging nature in contrast to the created order. It highlights His role as the Creator, having established the earth and formed the heavens. The imagery of creation "perishing" and "wearing out like a garment" emphasizes its temporary and finite existence. In stark opposition, God is presented as enduring, constant, and timeless. The metaphor of changing them "like an article of clothing" suggests God's sovereignty and power over creation, implying His ability to renew or transform it. The core message is God's everlasting being and immutability amidst the transient universe He brought into existence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Of old didst thou lay the foundation of the earth; And the heavens are the work of thy hands.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Of old didst thou lay the foundation of the earth; And the heavens are the work of thy hands.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In the past you put the earth on its base, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Beforetime the earth Thou didst found, And the work of Thy hands <FI>are<Fi> the heavens.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Of old hast thou founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of thy hands:

Context

Psalm 102 is a lament prayer from an afflicted individual, expressing deep distress and a sense of abandonment. The psalmist describes their suffering in vivid detail, feeling like a withered plant and an isolated bird. This verse shifts abruptly from personal anguish to a declaration of God's eternal nature. It serves as a profound theological anchor amidst the psalmist's transient troubles, reminding them and the reader of God's enduring faithfulness and power despite human frailty and the temporary nature of creation. It provides a hopeful contrast to the preceding verses of despair, presenting God as the ultimate source of stability and hope.

v.24I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: Thy years are throughout all generations.

v.25This passage

v.26They shall perish, but thou shalt endure; Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; As a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 1:10

    And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands:

  • Job 38:4

    Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding.

  • Exodus 20:11

    for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

  • Genesis 2:1

    And the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

  • Hebrews 3:3

    For he hath been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by so much as he that built the house hath more honor than the house.

  • Proverbs 8:23

    I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was.

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